asseyez-vous
To say "take a seat" in French, use asseyez-vous.
The phrase is used as a verb meaning to sit down.
Meaning: sit down (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, asseyez-vous means "sit yourself". It is composed of the verb asseoir (to sit) and the reflexive pronoun vous (you).
Which one should you use?
While English uses the noun "seat" in the phrase "take a seat", the French version uses a reflexive verb construction.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form asseyez-vous is used when you are addressing a single person in a formal or polite context, or when you are addressing a group of people.
Did you know?
- French uses the verb s'asseoir for the act of sitting, but uses a completely different verb, être assis, to describe the state of already being seated.
- In professional French-speaking environments, using asseyez-vous can sometimes feel slightly too direct, so people often prefer the phrase Prenez place, which literally means 'take place'.
- The verb asseoir is one of the few in French that has two different sets of conjugations, meaning you can say both asseyez-vous and asseoyez-vous depending on the region or era.
Examples in context
- Asseyez-vous, s'il vous plaît.Please take a seat.This sentence shows how to add "please" to the phrase using asseyez-vous.Tatoeba #14106 by sacredceltic, translation #38593 by CK
- Asseyez-vous !Take a seat.This sentence provides a direct way to use asseyez-vous.Tatoeba #1157654 by sacredceltic, translation #1789253 by Spamster
- Asseyez-vous je vous prie.Take a seat, please.This sentence shows an alternative way to say "please" when using asseyez-vous.Tatoeba #330520 by queenie, translation #462484 by lukaszpp
- Asseyez-vous, s'il vous plaîtPlease take a seat
- Asseyez-vous et laissez-moi vous expliquer.Take a seat, and let me explain.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan is welcoming Léa into his office.
- NathanBonjour Léa, entrez et asseyez-vous.Hello Léa, come in and take a seat.
- LéaMerci, c'est très gentil.Thank you, that is very kind.
- NathanEst-ce que vous êtes prête ?Are you ready?
- LéaOui, je suis prête.Yes, I am ready.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
